By focusing on microbial pathogenesis, we strive to understand how viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites elicit pathogenesis in the infected host and the host’s immune response pathways. Our researchers also investigate the pathways for hosts to overcome these infections, including preventative measures such as the development of vaccines. 

These studies are carried out in state-of-the-art laboratories where 30 primary faculty, 17 joint faculty and 11 research-track faculty receive substantial research grant support from the NIH and other governmental and private agencies. In 2022–2023, M&I received over $18 million in NIH grants and ranked #10 in NIH funding. During this period, our faculty published over 555 scientific articles in highly-ranked journals.